In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of Madbury, New Hampshire, Emily Long has been accused of murdering her husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself. On August 18, 2023, police discovered the bodies of 48-year-old Ryan Long, their 8-year-old son Parker, and 6-year-old daughter Ryan inside their home. The couple’s surviving toddler was unharmed, prompting an outpouring of grief and concern for the child.
Reports indicate that the family had been under significant stress in recent months, particularly after Ryan was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2023. Emily Long, who gained a following on TikTok by documenting her struggles as a caregiver, had expressed her feelings of isolation and depression in her posts. Just days before the tragedy, she shared her determination to push through the challenges, stating her commitment to create a sense of normalcy for her children.
However, as details surrounding the incident have emerged, they reveal a darker history. Emily Long reportedly had a secret history of financial misconduct, with allegations of theft stretching back nearly a decade. According to her employer at a chicken wing restaurant chain, she is accused of stealing over $660,000 from the business between January and July of 2023. This included claims that cash deposits were not made, and handwritten checks were funneled into her personal accounts.
In a 2016 incident, Long was also accused of stealing $11,000 from a Nantucket brewpub, which was investigated after she and her then-boyfriend allegedly took cash and alcohol before leaving for a vacation in Thailand. Although that case was dismissed after the pub went out of business, her former employer suggested that Long may have struggled with a shopping addiction, potentially driving her thefts.
The timing of the theft allegations adds another layer of complexity to the family tragedy. Emily was reportedly scheduled to meet with her employer on August 11 to discuss the theft claims but failed to attend. Just a week later, the devastating incident occurred, leaving investigators and the community grappling with the seemingly inconceivable circumstances.
Law enforcement officials have pieced together what transpired on the night of the murders, revealing that Emily shot her family members before taking her own life. The firearm was recovered at the scene, and forensic evidence will play a critical role in confirming the sequence of events. The motivations behind her actions, however, remain elusive. Experts suggest that the pressures of financial instability and the emotional toll of her husband’s illness may have contributed to her mental state.
As the investigation continues, attention has turned to the surviving toddler, who now faces an uncertain future. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the child, raising over $150,000 in the wake of this tragedy. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health and the profound impact of financial distress on families.
The community and those who followed Emily Long’s story on social media are left with more questions than answers, as they seek to understand the motives behind her heartbreaking actions. The tragic loss of life and the challenges faced by the surviving child will weigh heavily on the hearts of many for years to come.
